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Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2003 >> Sentra SE-R, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1545 (Front Final Drive) >> Front Final Drive Assembly >> Disassembly and Assembly >> Assembly >> Differential Assembly
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Differential Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Xterra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install side gear thrust washers with the same thickness as the ones installed prior to disassembly or reinstall the old ones on the side gears.
    Fig 1: Aligning Side Gear Thrust Washers
    G03608553Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  2. Install side gears and thrust washers into differential case.
    CAUTION: Make sure that the circular clip is installed to side gears.
  3. Align 2 pinion mate gears in diagonally opposite positions, then rotate and install them into differential case after installing thrust washer to pinion mate gear.
    Fig 2: Installing Side Gears And Thrust Washers Into Differential Case
    G03608554Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  4. Align the lock pin holes on differential case with shaft, and install pinion mate shaft.
  5. Measure side gear end play. If necessary, select the appropriate side gear thrust washers. Refer to "DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE ".
    Fig 3: Aligning Lock Pin Holes On Differential Case
    G03608555Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  6. Drive a lock pin into pinion mate shaft, using suitable tool. Make sure lock pin is flush with differential case.
    CAUTION: Do not reuse lock pin.
    Fig 4: Installing Lock Pin Into Pinion Mate Shaft
    G03608556Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. Align the matching mark of differential case with the mark of drive gear, then place drive gear.
    Fig 5: Aligning Matching Mark Of Differential Case
    G03608557Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  8. Apply thread locking sealant into the thread hole of drive gear.
    • Use Genuine High Strength Thread Locking Sealant or equivalent. Refer to " RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS  "  .
      CAUTION: Make sure the drive gear back and threaded holes are clean.
      Fig 6: Applying Thread Locking Sealant Into Thread Hole Of Drive Gear
      G03608558Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  9. Install drive gear on the bolts, and then tighten to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
    CAUTION:
    • Tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern.
    • After tightening the bolts to the specified torque, tighten the bolts an additional 34 to 39 degrees.
      Fig 7: Tightening Drive Gear On Bolts
      G03608559Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  10. Press side bearing inner races to differential case, using Tools.

    Tool number A: ST33230000 (J-35867) 

    B: ST33061000 (J-8107-2) 

    CAUTION: Do not reuse side bearing inner race.
    Fig 8: Pressing Side Bearing Inner Races To Differential Case Using Tools
    G03608560Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  11. Install housing spacer.
  12. Apply gear oil to side bearings, and install differential case assembly with side bearing outer races into gear carrier.
    Fig 9: Installing Differential Case Assembly
    G03608561Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  13. Insert left and right original side bearing adjusting washers in place between side bearings and gear carrier, using Tool.

    Tool number: KV38100600 (J-25267) 

    Fig 10: Inserting Side Bearing Adjusting Washers
    G03608562Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  14. Align matching mark on bearing cap with that on gear carrier.
  15. Install bearing caps and tighten bearing cap bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
    Fig 11: Aligning Matching Mark On Bearing Cap
    G03608563Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  16. Drive side oil seal until it becomes flush with the case end using Tools.

    Tool number A: ST30720000 (J-25405) 

    B: ST27863000 (-) 

    CAUTION:
    • Do not reuse oil seal.
    • Do not incline oil seal when installing.
    • Apply multi-purpose grease onto oil seal lips, and gear oil onto the circumference of oil seal.
      Fig 12: Installing Drive Side Oil Seal Using Tool
      G03608564Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  17. Check and adjust drive gear runout, tooth contact, drive gear to drive pinion backlash, and total preload torque. Refer to "DRIVE GEAR RUNOUT ", "TOOTH CONTACT ", "BACKLASH ", "TOTAL PRELOAD TORQUE ".

    Recheck above items. Readjust the above description, if necessary.

  18. Apply sealant to mating surface of rear cover.
    • Use Genuine Silicone RTV or equivalent. Refer to " RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS  "  .
      CAUTION: Remove old sealant adhering to mating surfaces. Also remove any moisture, oil, or foreign material adhering to application and mating surfaces.
  19. Install rear cover on gear carrier and tighten bolts with the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
  20. Install side shaft assembly. Refer to "SIDE SHAFT ".
    Fig 13: Applying Sealant To Mating Surface Of Rear Cover
    G03608565Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
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